Arsenal have wrapped up the signing of Gabriel Jesus and according to David Ornstein, the Gunners will now shift their undivided focus to Raphinha.
The Leeds United man is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur as well as Barcelona but according to The Athletic journalist, Arsenal are the current favourites to sign the winger.
Arsenal have already seen a bid rejected for Raphinha but they are going to start making fresh approaches starting next week.
Ornstein wrote on Twitter: “Arsenal to intensify efforts next week to sign Raphinha from Leeds.
“More talks planned with 25yo’s camp & increased offer expected. Feeling among other suitors is AFC now leading & he’s said to be open to joining them.”
🚨 Arsenal to intensify efforts next week to sign Raphinha from Leeds. More talks planned with 25yo’s camp & increased offer expected. Feeling among other suitors is #AFC now leading & he’s said to be open to joining them. W/ @PhilHay_ @TheAthleticUK #LUFC https://t.co/FDYluxP0zx
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 25, 2022
Will Arsenal be challenged by Spurs or Barcelona?
Raphinha had initially decided to join Barcelona this summer but the Camp Nou outfit seem to have cooled off their interest in the player.
Barca cannot afford the meet Leeds United’s high transfer demands so it’s highly unlikely they are going to come up with a late bid.
Spurs, however, are still very much in the race as Antonio Conte looks to add depth to his forward line next season. Tottenham have the finances to go head-on with Arsenal but it’s being claimed that Raphinha is keen to join Arsenal.
This news will definitely be a big boost for Arsenal but we think Raphinha has made this decision only because he’s yet to hear from Conte’s team.
At Spurs, Raphinha will have to prove his worth to become a first-team regular but even at Arsenal, he will be challenged by young Bukayo Saka and also Nicolas Pepe.
We firmly believe Arsenal are still a long way away from signing the Brazilian international because Tottenham Hotspur are surely going to launch a late bid.
We will have to wait and see what happens when Tottenham also get in touch with the player and Leeds.
